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Jr High basketball in the CMAC has completed it's regular season and we've made it to the tournament! This marks the end of our first year playing in three separate divisions within boys and girls hoops. While the CMAC and American Red divisions will share a tournament, the American Blue plays in a separate six team bracket. See our regular season champs and tournament brackets below!
CMAC Boys
Woodward Bulldogs
American Red Boys
Oyler Mad Hatters
Click here to see the live bracket and game schedule!
CMAC Girls
Hughes Big Red
American Red Girls
Gamble Gators
Click here to see the live bracket and game schedule!
American Blue Boys
Riverview East Hawks
Click here to see the live bracket and game schedule!
American Blue Girls
Riverview East Hawks
The term, "student-athlete" often loses it's true meaning when people only see kids compete in games & matches on Friday nights. What goes unnoticed, most times, seems to be the hard work they put in during practice, in the classroom during the school day, and out in the community in their "off time".
Cincinnati Public Schools makes an effort to recognize deserving student-athletes that embody all three phases listed above. Our goal is to help award students for their efforts in forming a better community around their schools, for embracing challenges in the classroom and working with their peers, for performing at the top level in competition, for being a leader. Ultimately, this is what gives younger students something to look up to and strive for. Our students classify as FAR more than just an athlete - see their stories below!
September
Roshni Rai - Aiken High School - Cross Country
October
Muhammad Bah - Shroder High School - Football
December
Reggie Taylor-Benton - Western Hills High School - Wrestling
January
Ti'Aija Christopher - Woodward High School - Basketball
Dartanion Battle - Shroder High School - Basketball
February
Maka'la King - Riverview East Academy - Basketball
Alex Solomon - Aiken High School - Basketball
COMING SOON!
When Hughes and Taft get together, it's almost always a game to remember, regardless of what sport they play. This time around, it was the Senators making a trip to Clifton for what would be an all-time classic between the boys basketball teams. Check out this thriller for position in the CMAC and city bragging rights!
Beyond the Bucket - Click here to watch!
On Friday, January 18, Hughes (11-2, 6-1) walked into Friday's matchup against Taft (11-1, 5-1) intending to keep their winning streak alive at home! The sold-out crowd watched both teams battle it out, with Hughes prevailing 85-84 in an overtime thriller!
The Hughes faithful felt like this could be a special night. The Big Red would relish at an opportunity to take down their conference rival. The moment didn't seem too big for Hughes as they stood toe-to-toe with the notoriously aggressive play of the Senators. The game started fast as Nekhi Smith, JR for Taft and Paul McMillan IV, FR for Hughes traded buckets on the first two possessions. As both teams found their rhythm, the lead switched hands a number of times before the Big Red went on an 8-4 run to end the quarter, led by AB Harouna, SR for Hughes.
With the score favoring Hughes 22-18, the second quarter started with a huge corner three from Demarco Bradley Jr, SR for Taft. Cleveland Farmer, SR for Taft also contributed with some high energy plays including an acrobatic lay-in, however, Paul IV and the Big Red came back to go into the half-time break down 36-35.
The atmosphere intensified as both teams traded baskets, neither letting up. Chris'seon Stringer, SR for Taft nailed a couple threes to break things open momentarily. Kionte Thomas, JR for Hughes converted an and-one, followed by a half-court euro-step and three at the buzzer by Paul IV, and just like that, Hughes was back in it and ready for a dramatic finish.
While leads continued to switch sides, neither team led by more than three points throughout the fourth frame, and with about 25 seconds left to play, Nekhi Smith tied the game with a pair of free throws. Hughes had a chance to win it in regulation, but a last-second, contested shot by AB Harouna JUST missed.
In overtime, Taft came out swinging, establishing a lead after consecutive buckets. Hughes wouldn't give up. As the crowd got louder, the Big Red put the clamps down on defense and looked to McMillan to provide energy on the offensive end. Eventually, down 84-83, Hughes would bring the ball up the court. Cam McKenzie, SO for Hughes had the ball in his hands and drove to the bucket, where he was fouled in the process of shooting. With the game on the line, Cam calmly made two of the biggest free throws of the game, giving the Big Red a one-point lead with just 11 seconds to play!
A tough lay-up attempt from Taft came up just short, in addition to the follow up at the buzzer, and once the buzzer went off the Hughes faithful went into a frenzy as they stormed the court to celebrate the big win!
After the game, Hughes Head Coach, Bryan Wyant was asked about his reaction. "I can't script this any better", said Wyant. "We were confident, played hard and had a little luck on our side."
Story written by Theo Caldwell
Click here to see highlights and a recap of the game, courtesy of Fox19 and Joe Danneman!